/R E P E A T -- Salvation Army Launches 2010 Christmas Campaign Promoting
Dignity For All/

New Google Technology Allows Donors to Track Giving and Fill Local Kettles at www.FilltheKettle.com

TORONTO, Nov. 16 /CNW/ - The Salvation Army today announced the national launch of the 2010 Annual Christmas Campaign aimed at raising money to support dozens of social services programs that work to restore hope and dignity for vulnerable individuals during the Christmas season and throughout the year.

This year, the iconic Salvation Army Christmas kettles will appear on street corners across Canada and on Google Maps through the Army's online "Fill the Kettle" program. Visitors to www.FilltheKettle.com will be able to track donations at nearly 2,000 kettles on-the-street nationwide. Using Google technology, donors will be able to locate and make a secure online donation directly to individual kettles in their community. 

"The Fill the Kettle program will provide yet another way for the public to get behind the Christmas campaign and support our social service work in more than 400 communities across Canada," said Commissioner William Francis, Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda. "With 15 to 20 percent of our annual fundraising revenue collected during the Christmas season and demand for our service at an all time high in some areas, we are really asking the public to dig deep this year."

For too many, the basic necessities of life needed for human dignity are out of reach. Approximately 3 million Canadians, or one in 11 people, live in poverty today, making access to everyday needs like food, clothing and shelter difficult.

"The Salvation Army believes that human dignity is a fundamental right for all people," said Commissioner Francis. "When you give to the Salvation Army this Christmas season, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people across Canada."

The Salvation Army will also participate in a number of events this year to raise awareness and money for the Christmas Campaign. On Sunday, November 21^st, The Salvation Army will participate in the nationally televised 2010 Santa Claus Parade in Toronto, ON. And, on Saturday, December 4^th, The Salvation Army will once again team up with Running Room Ltd. to host the 20^th annual Santa Shuffle presented by All Weather Windows. The 5 km Fun Run and 1 km Elf Walk will be held in 37 cities across Canada.

The 2010 Christmas Campaign helps The Salvation Army provide direct, compassionate, hands-on service to more than 1.6 million people in Canada each year, restoring hope and dignity to the most vulnerable in society. The Salvation Army's annual Christmas Campaign has grown into one of Canada's most significant and recognizable annual charitable events. Last year, more than $18 million was raised in the kettles nationwide, an all time record. The Salvation Army relies on the support of numerous corporate partners, including Wal-Mart and Loblaw Companies Limited, which allow Christmas kettles to be placed at their stores each year.

Donations to the 2010 Christmas Campaign can be made at www.SalvationArmy.ca, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769), at your local kettle, or via mail to The Salvation Army, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON M4H 1P4.  Donors can also give by texting "HOPE" to 45678 from most mobile carriers in Canada.

About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and everyday in 400 communities across Canada and more than 120 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.

News releases, articles and updated information can be found at www.SalvationArmy.ca

For further information:

Andrew Burditt
Territorial Public Relations Director
The Salvation Army
416-845-8231
[email protected]
www.SalvationArmy.ca